Bangladesh in the Outer-space: Space Diplomacy, Techno-nationalism, and Economic Strength

Abstract

Bangladesh is a rising regional power in South Asia and expects to become a middle-income state by 2026 and a high-income state by 2041. As the fastest growing economy, the country focuses more on technological development at present. Although it's a massive challenge for any developing country with no indigenous technology to become a space-faring nation, Bangladesh's vision is very much coming from its recent economic growth. At the moment, none of the states can deny the importance of space technology for economic development, preserving national interest and security. But the deficiency in technological knowledge, skilled resource, innovation or geopolitical constraints, and global and regional geopolitical rivalries which extends to outer space are the key challenges for any country in attaining outer space goals. So, the present study investigates how Bangladesh's inclusion in the club of satellite communication created a new urgency to strengthen space diplomacy? In this context, the paper examines the linkages between space diplomacy, techno-nationalism, and the economic strength of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the present study also addresses the global and regional aspects of outer space politics and explorations. How it affects Bangladesh, how Bangladesh joining the space club opens a new dimension in its foreign policy affairs, and how space technology becomes a hope for Bangladesh to strengthen its economy and achieve sustainable development goals. The study is exploratory in nature based on secondary data. The study concludes that Bangladesh needs internal and external initiatives and policies and firm diplomacy to fulfil its space ambition.